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Councilor Solomon said the property owners had not opposed the improvements in their entirety so much as they felt the planned improvements were excessive for the street. She agreed that much good will had been created with the River Road/Santa Clara area and this forced annexation could harm the progress that had occurred. She noted that a resident there had suggested an "Annexation Amnesty Day," adding that she thought it was an idea with merit. Councilor Nathanson said while it was obvious what the City stood to gain from the annexation, the City needed to ask what the property owners stood to gain. She acknowledged that many people benefit from living and working in the urban area without having to pay for the urban services or having to vote. She supported annexation in most cases. She commented that the project was necessary and inevitable, but that for the present, it would be better to select another project from the capital improvement project list. Councilor Meisner stated that he had been working on the idea of an "Annexation Amnesty" day with assistant City Manager Jim Carlson for "many months." He expressed hope that they would get a response to it. He felt testimony had indicated that the opposition to the improvements was not absolute. He noted that the Crest Drive neighbors had sought input on a different design of street changes and suggested that the City look into a more flexible design for River Avenue. He said he would not support a forced annexation. In response to a question from Councilor Solomon, Ms. Cahill said the interchange to Beltline Road would not be improved in this plan as it was not under the jurisdiction of the City. Mayor Torrey averred that, though the City largely focused on the River Road area, there were a number of islands of non-annexed property. He observed that many people in the River Road area had signs on their front lawns that expressed their extreme opposition to annexation to the City. He advised against approving the forced annexation of the River Avenue properties as it would promote anti-annexation sentiments. He recommended the City Council hold a discussion on its approach to annexation. Roll call vote; the motion failed by a unanimous vote, 8:0. Mayor Torrey called for a five-minute break. MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 13, 2004 Page 9 Regular Session